A diehard Newton Aycliffe supporter has thrown £2,000 of his own cash into his club’s coffers – and is urging companies on the town to follow suit. Superfan Mick Thompson, who works as a safety advisor, wants to do his bit for the club after watching them scale the leagues in recent years.

Aycliffe powered from the parks of the Durham Alliance League to the Ebac Northern League first division in just four seasons.

But after a comfortable debut top-flight campaign last season, they’re currently struggling near the bottom of the table and strapped for cash.

Mick, who hopes his donation will encourage companies to get behind the club said: “I want to help out as much as I can and I’m surprised the club doesn’t get as much support as it should from local companies,” said the father-of-two.

“You can see from adverts around the pitch at Moore Lane that a lot of the small firms and one-man-bands do their bit, but there are a lot of big firms in Aycliffe, turning over millions of pounds on our doorstep, who give nothing.

“I know football isn’t for everyone, but surely these firms can do more for the town’s only football club?

“It’s run by a dedicated, hard-working team of volunteers who are all trying to raise the money that’s needed to service a Northern League first division team, and they’re fighting with their hands tied behind their backs because their competitors enjoy huge support from local companies.”

Aycliffe general manager Dan Lewis, pictured handing Mick his “complimentary” season ticket, added: “Backing like this is fundamental, and we could do with another nine of Mick doing the same!

“Support from the local business community isn’t good. We appreciate it’s a difficult climate right now, but if our smaller firms can help out, and individuals like Mick, then you would think the multi-million-pound corporates could help out in some way.”

Any firms or individuals who’d like to sponsor Aycliffe can contact Martin Walker on 07826 525907.

Aycliffe ended a miserable losing streak with their first win of the season last Saturday, with Paul Broom’s 55th-minute goal giving them victory over Marske United. Returning hero Dan Mellanby excited fans with a thrilling 20-minute second-half performance at Moore Lane Park.

Aycliffe go to Wearside League side Willington in the FA Vase this Saturday, (3pm)followed by a trip to Newcastle Benfield next weekend.

FIXTURES

Saturday 22nd Sept:

Newcastle Benfield (A), 3pm

Wednesday 26th Sept:

Penrith (H), 7.30pm

Saturday 29th Sept:

Billingham Town (H), 3pm